Chapter 8
“Everything alright?” Chad questioned the second I slid into the front seat.
“Yeah, everything’s fine. Why do you ask?” I couldn’t truly bring myself to open up and tell him just how much of a bastard Lorenzo was. I clocked my husband in the side view mirror as he ran his hands through his hair in anger.
“You know, I don’t think I’ve ever seen you run that fast before,” Chad joked, keeping his eyes trained on the driveway ahead.
“Fuck off! You know I have. I used to run circles around Miles!”
He threw his head back, letting out a throaty laugh as we pulled up to the gate.
A man I had never seen before strolled up to Chad’s open window, not saying a word.
I expected him to give some kind of warning from Lorenzo but that never came and I quickly realised.
He was stalling us, wasting time for one of his men to catch up.
“Can you please just open the gate? I have somewhere I need to be.” I smiled, awaiting his response. He nodded at the other guard who politely opened the gate for us. “Thank you.”
“What was all that about?” Chad asked, completely oblivious to what just happened.
“Nothing, just drive.”
“Where to, Miss Fedorov?” He smiled, strumming his fingers on the wheel.
“You know that’s no longer my name. Well, legally, anyway.” I sighed, wishing that wasn’t the case.
“You’ll always be a Fedorov to me.” He sped off down the road as I turned the music up, enjoying the freedom. Freedom that would be ripped away from me the second I walked back through those doors later. “So, where am I taking you?”
“To see my babushka , please.” The thought of seeing her filled me with happiness. Besides my dedushka , she was always my favourite.
“Stopping at the usual place first?”
“Of course.” There was no need to specify the plan. He knew it like the back of his hand. It was one we did every week. “Do you mind if I sit in silence for a bit?”
“Not at all. I was expecting it, to be honest. You’ve had an eventful twenty-four hours.”
I tutted, agreeing with him. Although, eventful wasn’t quite the word I’d use.
After about twenty minutes, we reached our first destination. One I used to lose myself in as a child.
“I won’t be long,” I assured Chad as I quickly exited the car before he could ask me if he could tag along.
I entered the old-school flower shop situated on the main strip of town, an array of flowers decorated the inside and out.
It was so familiar to me. Nothing had changed in all the years it had been open.
I used to visit weekly with my grandmother to collect her favourite pink lilies.
I was obsessed with flowers, and to be honest, they were still one of my favourite things.
My grandfather and I used to spend hours tending to the garden, and when he passed away, my grandmother took his place by my side.
“Anastacia, my darling, how are you?” Marilyn, my father’s aunt cooed as she pulled me into a hug. “Your order is ready.”
“Well, I’m married. Surprise!” I groaned as she gasped at the news.
“I cannot believe your father would do such a damn thing! I could wring his neck!”
“I can’t believe it either, and get this, he sprung it on me outside the venue! I thought I was attending a typical mafia wedding. But no, it was mine .” I breathed, trying not to let my emotions get the better of me.
“Tell me, is your husband a good one, at least?” I wished.
“My husband is Lorenzo Ricci. I don’t think there is any good in him.”
“Is your father fucking mad?! Excuse my language, but I swear he doesn’t think most of the time.” She threw her arms up in frustration.
“Clearly.” I laughed, but it was all fake. No feelings attached.
“You know where I am if you need anything, even if it’s just a call.” She patted my cheek gently, the familiar smell of peppermint and floral hues taking me back to simpler times.
“I know, thank you. It means a lot.” She handed me the usual bunch of lilies, beautifully wrapped. “How much do I owe you?”
“You ask me every week, darling, and the answer is always the same. Nothing.”
“Fine, but here’s a tip for the beautiful flowers.” I grinned, leaving a fifty on the counter.
“You’re as stubborn as my brother. The same brother who’d be turning in his grave if he knew the deal your father made.
” She scoffed, her irritation levels rising yet again.
“Look after yourself. Show that husband of yours just who you are, who your grandfather taught you to be.” She winked, her support well and truly needed.
“Don’t worry, I will.” I blew her a kiss from the door before heading back to the car.
I knew I was being followed the second I stepped foot outside Marilyn’s shop. Lorenzo had sent someone after me, wanting to know my every damn move.
Psychopath.
“All sorted?” Chad asked as I climbed inside the car.
“Yeah, let’s go.” I fastened my seatbelt as he set off down the road to our final destination.
We drove across town to where my grandmother resided in a secluded care home.
She barely had any time left, and each week I visited, it got harder.
I’d grown up with her, spending the majority of my time at my grandparents’ house.
Visiting her was my favourite part of the week.
Knowing that she was getting worse day by day, and that one day I’d be without her, killed me inside.
“Ana, you can stop coming here if it’s too hard,” Chad said softly, his voice gentle and understanding.
“I could never stop visiting her. She needs me just like I need her.” I retrieved the flowers as he pulled up to the large building. “You don’t need to wait. I’ll make my own way home.”
“Without a phone? Don’t be silly. I’ll park up and wait.” He smiled as I exited the car.
I climbed the worn stone steps, feeling the coolness of the railing beneath my hand, and entered the old yet elegant building.
The nurses greeted me with warm smiles and cheerful hellos, their faces as friendly and welcoming as they were every week.
Inside, the high-beamed ceilings stretched above me like the nave of a cathedral, while vibrant paintings and black-and-white photographs lined the walls, capturing moments of history and beauty.
Through the tall double doors at the back, the view unfurled like a masterpiece, offering a sprawling landscape that seemed to breathe life into the very structure of the building.
My grandmother caught my eye through the window as she sat on a bench under the shade of her favourite oak tree with a book in hand and a red cardigan draped over her shoulders. The very same one my grandfather bought her the year he died.
“Go on out, Anastacia. She’s waiting for you.” One of the nurses smiled, capturing my attention.
“Thank you. How is she today?” I asked, turning my attention to the nurse.
“She’s okay. Today has been one of her better days.” She squeezed my hand before she wandered back to tend to another patient.
I hurried out to the garden, my grandmother’s face lighting up the second she looked up from her book. A smile spread across her lips, one that could brighten my day in seconds.
“ Vot moya devushka .” She held her arms open as I wrapped mine around her. “Come and sit beside me. I was just reading to your grandfather.” She glanced up at the clouds, just as she always did when she read out loud.
“His favourite story again?”
“Of course, and I have to admit, over the years it’s become mine, too.” She patted the empty seat beside her. I lowered myself onto it.
“These are for you, babushka .” I handed her the flowers, watching her inhale the fresh scent.
“I love them, thank you.” She turned to me, giving me her full attention. “I’m sorry I wasn’t at your wedding, darling, but I couldn’t witness something I didn’t agree with.” She sighed, placing her hand on mine. “I wanted to see you get married for love, not for an alliance.”
“You know Papa always gets his own way. As does Lorenzo, or so he likes to think.” I scoffed.
“Exactly. You have to let him think he gets his own way. Let him believe he is the one on top when really you’re the one determining everything.
” She spoke from experience, and I admired that.
“Your grandfather was my arranged marriage. Luckily, he was different, but I made it clear to your father that I never wanted you to go through that.”
“I don’t think he listened. Neither did Mama.”
“Your mother doesn’t know how to say no to your father.
She’s always been the same, darling. If he wanted you to marry Lorenzo, she was never going to get in his way.
You and I both know that.” She was right, I did.
“Your dedushka taught you well, my darling, and if that man puts a foot out of line or harms one hair on your head, you do what your dedushka taught you. No second guessing, just gut the bastard.”
“ Babushka !” My mouth fell open. I had never heard her speak this way. She was always the softer one out of my grandparents.
“You are my angel, and if you don’t do what’s needed, then I will.
” Lorenzo hadn't done anything that warranted being gutted alive, but it was good to know she had my back no matter what. “I’ve heard stories about that man. I know he still holds a grudge for your father too. Just be careful. I don’t trust him.
Not yet, anyway. Not until he shows me he’s different. ”
“You’ll be waiting a really long time then,” I teased.
“You know I don’t have that long left, my darling. But I hope that maybe, just maybe, he can show me why he deserves you.” She squeezed my hand tightly, her words causing my heart to physically ache as I fought back the tears. “Oh, my angel, please don’t get upset.”
“I’m sorry, babushka. It’s just hard to think of my life without you.” I sighed, knowing that when she’s gone, I’d be alone.
“Your life will move on. You’ll have children of your own to love and cherish. You’ll see how they brighten your life, just like you did mine. I know I am only your babushka, but you lit up mine and your grandfather’s life the second you came into it.”
“I love you.” I rested my head on her shoulder as she wrapped her arm around me.
“And I love you.” We sat in silence for a moment, enjoying the scenery and each other’s company.
“You do know I’ll never have children with that man, don’t you?” I scrunched my nose up in disgust.
“If you don’t want to have children with him, that’s your choice. Don't let your family or anyone else bully you into giving him an heir. Only you know what’s right and what’s not.”
“I won’t. Marrying him wasn’t my choice, but what happens from here on out is.” I smiled, thinking of the many ways I could kill Lorenzo and make it seem like an accident.
That would be fun.
“That’s my girl,” she whispered. “Never forget who you are. Never let that man dull the sparkle I adore.”
“I won’t, I promise,” I assured her. I always kept my promises to her. She knew that.
As the sun set beyond the trees, I realised I had been out all day. Lorenzo was well and truly going to lose his shit when I got home, but I didn’t care. He could throw as many tantrums as he wanted. It wouldn’t change anything.
“Ana, sorry to bother you both. I just wanted to check if you were okay,” Chad piped up from beside us.
“Chad, sweetheart, thank you for bringing my girl to see me again. Sorry, I didn’t realise you were waiting for her outside.” My grandmother stood gingerly as she wrapped her arms around him in a warm embrace.
“Don’t apologise, Evelina. It’s my pleasure.” He caught my eye over her shoulder, smiling softly.
“Maybe you can teach her husband how to be a gentleman.” She giggled, releasing him.
“Okay, that’s enough. Let’s get you inside for dinner.” I sighed, changing the subject swiftly.
After we said our goodbyes, Chad drove me home, the dread creeping in as we neared the house.
“You’re quiet, you alright?” he asked, breaking the silence.
“I’m fine, just thinking.” He didn’t push or pry. He always knew not to if I didn’t go into detail.
He pulled up outside the front steps and my heart sank at the thought of coming face-to-face with Lorenzo’s asshole attitude. All I genuinely wanted was to lose myself between the sheets and have a good night's sleep.
“I’ll see you soon.” I smiled, putting on a front for Chad, not wanting him to worry.
His smile mirrored my own, but there was more concern behind his than mine.
As I made my way up the steps, Gino appeared at the front door. It didn’t take long for me to realise he was trying to warn me about the mood Lorenzo was in.
“No Red?” I asked, Gino’s eyes widening at the question. “Oh, come on, Gino. I know he was tailing me all damn day. Maybe next time Lorenzo should send someone whose hair doesn’t need its own warning.”
“He’s not happy, you know.” He pinched the bridge of his nose.
“He never seems to be.” I walked around him, but then he gently stopped me.
“Anastacia, he’s… How do I put this?”
“Ignorant, difficult, an asshole ? I can continue if you’d like?” I asked as he let out a long, steady breath.
“Just maybe give him a chance. I know he’s difficult, and he needs to work on his temper, but believe me. He’s not as bad as you think.” He sighed.
“Are you trying to convince me or yourself?” I didn’t give him a chance to respond. I wanted to dart to my room in an effort to go unnoticed.
But that was wishful thinking.
“Ana- fucking -stacia!”
Here we go… Round one.